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On 18 July 2025, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Harris TD welcomed the appointment of Dr. Neil Rowan to the newly established United Nations Scientific Panel on the Effects of Nuclear War. Dr. Rowan, a professor at the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest, is one of 21 global experts selected to assess the physical and societal consequences of nuclear conflict.
🧪 Scientific Credentials
- Dr. Rowan was named among the World Top 2% of Scientists by Stanford University in 2023.
- He brings over 30 years of experience in applied microbiology, with contributions spanning medtech, food safety, and environmental science.
🌍 UN Panel Mandate
- The panel was created following a 2024 UN General Assembly resolution led by Ireland and New Zealand.
- It is the first UN-mandated study of its kind since the 1980s.
- The group will investigate impacts across climate, radiology, public health, and socioeconomic systems.
- A final report is expected in 2027, based on the latest scientific evidence.
🗣️ Official Statements
Tánaiste Harris praised the appointment:
“Irish people are once again front and centre of global efforts to achieve a world free from the threat of nuclear weapons… The work of Dr. Rowan and his fellow panellists will be an invaluable contribution to our evidence-based understanding of the catastrophic effects of a nuclear war.”
Dr. Rowan expressed gratitude for the opportunity:
“These duties are quite profound… It reflects a unified global commitment to garner and share key knowledge on what is a critical topic for humanity.”
Originally from Westlodge, Athlone, Dr. Rowan completed his studies at the University of Galway.
You can read the full announcement from the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Micheal-Martin-Tanaiste-Ireland-UN-Geneva-Photo-by-Violaine-Martin
